2011http://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/5785/all
enFriday Recap: iPad 3 (and 4!) Rumors, Steam’s Boffo 2011, Target Apple Storeshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_ipad_3_and_4_rumors_steam%E2%80%99s_boffo_2011_target_apple_stores
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/target_store_logo_200px.png" alt="Target store logo" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Wow, another week has come and gone, just like that! By this time next week, the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show will be winding down in Las Vegas and we’ll all be giddy about the new stuff to look forward to later this year (or alternately, seriously depressed that we can’t afford it). But before you get a full-on dose of CES fever all next week, it’s time to hunker down and ingest some of the tech news that’s making waves on this fine Friday, January 6, 2012.</p><h3>Yawn: Rumor Claims iPad 3 in March, iPad 4 in October</h3><p>It would seem that the Apple rumor mill is ready to go into repeats of last year’s successful season prematurely. <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/NewsSearch.asp?DocID=PD000000000000000000000000022703&amp;query=APPLE" target="_blank">According to DigiTimes</a> -- whose track record with these things is spotty at best -- Apple will apparently ship the iPad 3 we all want in March, including “a full HD display,” while saving an even better model they’re calling the iPad 4 for October to compete with Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch, which will be offered on a wide variety of tablets. This is almost exactly what the rumor mill called up last year, with claims that the iPad 2 would be released last March and an HD iPad 3 later in the fall, so you’d do well to take this with a heaping grain of salt to be sure. According to Taiwanese component makers, the iPad 3 “will come with a QXGA (1,536x2,048 pixels) display and longer battery life,” although little is said about the rumored iPad 4. The one thing in the DigiTimes report that does make sense is that Apple will keep the iPad 2 around at a lower price point ($399) when the iPad 3 is introduced, which makes total sense to us.</p><h3>Free iPhone 4S? China Unicom Has Them</h3><p>Americans are used to free mobile phones when they sign a two-year agreement, but a brand-new iPhone 4S is just crazy talk… right? <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-06/china-unicom-offers-free-iphone-4s-for-45-monthly-contract.html" target="_blank">According to BusinessWeek</a>, not really -- assuming, that is, that you live in an area of mainland China covered by China Unicom, the country’s second-largest carrier. Beginning January 13, China Unicom is offering a free 16GB iPhone 4S for customers who sign up for a two-year agreement which costs as little as 286 yuan ($45) per month. High rollers can also opt for a 32GB model, but you’ll need to commit for three years instead. Any way you slice it, that’s a pretty amazing deal, especially considering China Unicom is the only one of the country’s three wireless carriers to offer the iPhone -- so it’s not like they have to compete with anyone on price.</p><h3>Steam Closes 2011 with Seventh Year of 100 Percent Unit Sales Growth</h3><p>The Mac|Life crew loves them some <a href="http://www.steampowered.com/" target="_blank">Steam</a>, so we were encouraged to hear word from online gaming company Valve today that we weren’t alone. According to their press release, 2011 was a banner year for the Steam platform on the Mac and PC, with more than 1,800 games served up to more than 40 million accounts. For the seventh straight year, units sales increased by more than 100 percent, and during the company’s year-end Holiday Sale, Steam had more than five million simultaneous users playing at once. So how much data does all of this activity amount to? Steam doubled the amount of data served between 2010 and 2011 for a whopping 780 petabytes of data tossed all over the world. Thankfully, the company also doubled its service capacity at the same time, making tweaks to improve user download rates at the same time. The company is now looking ahead to 2012, when it undoubtedly hopes to top last year’s boffo figures.</p><h3>Report: Target May Get Apple “Store Within a Store” This Year</h3><p>Apple has apparently had success with their “store within a store” concept at Best Buy, with <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/01/06/apple_to_open_new_store_within_a_store_outlets_inside_target_this_year.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider now reporting</a> that Cupertino may introduce the idea to “select Target locations later thus year, enabling the company to expand its retail reach into smaller metro areas.” According to the usual “source familiar with Apple’s plans,” the mini-stores would launch in 25 larger Target stores “in locations which can’t support a standalone Apple Store.” Needless to say, that’s a drop in the bucket considering Target has 1,752 stores across the United States, but Best Buy currently has 600 locations with so-called “Apple Shops” out of its 1,000 total stores, so the concept could expand quickly if successful.</p><h3>Study Shows Siri Doubling iPhone Data Consumption</h3><p><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45893257/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/#.TwdU15gl1hH" target="_blank">A new report from Reuters</a> is claiming that iPhone 4S data consumption is on average double that of the iPhone 4, with a study from “telecom network technology firm” Arieso pointing most of the blame in Siri’s direction. It’s no big stretch to assume that data use on a new smartphone is on the rise, with the research firm claiming that iPhone 4S users “transfer on average three times more data than users of the older iPhone 3G model.” That’s kind of a skewed metric if you ask us, since there were far less data-hungry apps when the iPhone 3G -- and the shiny new App Store -- were first introduced in July, 2008. But for whatever reason, Siri is taking the brunt of the study’s blame for sucking down bandwidth. "I use the iPhone 4 myself and when I first heard of the iPhone 4S features I was not compelled to rush out and get one. However, the data usage numbers I am seeing make me wonder what I am missing," said Arieso's chief technology officer, Michael Flanagan. Needless to say, the problem is only going to get worse as more and more smartphones are sold...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_ipad_3_and_4_rumors_steam%E2%80%99s_boffo_2011_target_apple_stores#commentsNews2011Apple RetailChina Unicomdaily recapdataDigiTimesiPad 3iPad 4iPhone 4SRumorsSiriSteamTargetiPadiPhoneMacFri, 06 Jan 2012 23:22:51 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13059 at http://www.maclife.comFriday Recap: 2011, That’s A Wrap! Editionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_2011_that%E2%80%99s_wrap_edition
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/seas0npass_update_200px.png" alt="Seas0nPass" width="200" height="151" class="graphic-right" />It’s the last Friday of the year, and that means the final installment of our daily news recap for 2011. It’s been a busy year for Apple: From Thunderbolt Macs to the iPad 2, OS X Lion to the iPhone 4S and of course, the death of co-founder Steve Jobs, many of us are apprehensive about the future of our favorite tech company heading into 2012. For now, let’s sit back and reflect on the year with a few final news tidbits for this Friday, December 20, 2011.</p><h3>Insync Goes Free, Encourages Google Users to Ditch Dropbox</h3><p>Are you a Dropbox user still in search of a better way to sync your files? If you have a Google account (or are willing to get one), there’s now another option. <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2011/12/30/insync-dropbox-revamp-free/" target="_blank">TechCrunch is reporting</a> that <a href="http://blog.insynchq.com/who-needs-gdrive" target="_blank">Insync 2.0 is now available</a> and best of all, it’s totally free to use. Billed as “Dropbox for Google users,” the service uses only a Gmail address to join up and the Mac client software adds the contents of your Google Docs account to a sidebar folder in the Finder; anything placed there is synced to Google’s cloud, where all users have 1GB by default. GDocs storage is much cheaper than Dropbox -- for example, $100 per year with Dropbox gets you a mere 50GB, while the same dough lands you a whopping 400GB from Google. To sign up, <a href="https://insynchq.com/" target="_blank">jump over to the Insync website</a> and within minutes you’ll be ready to go.</p><h3>Nokia Maintains Grip on Smartphone Market with Symbian OS</h3><p>While the general consensus is that Nokia’s smartphone business is in the toilet, the numbers show a different reality. <a href="http://allthingsd.com/20111230/nokias-dying-symbian-os-still-rules-the-smartphone-world/?mod=tweet" target="_blank">According to AllThingsD</a>, recent metrics compiled by Pingdom show that the cell phone giant’s sagging Symbian OS actually holds 33.59 percent of the global mobile OS market -- more than the sexier iOS with 22.56 percent and even more than Google’s Android freight train at only 21.74 percent. Even more bizarre, Symbian is actually grew in market share over 2011 after starting at 30.25 percent in January! So, next time you get into an argument with iOS or Android tech snobs over who dominates in the world market, just point ‘em back here and have their minds blown.</p><h3>Samsung Now Aping Apple’s iPad Commercials, Too</h3><p>There’s no end in sight for the patent battles between Apple and Samsung, who has been aggressive in recent months in their efforts to mock iPhone users on U.S. television commercials. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/12/30/samsungs-new-galaxy-tab-tv-ad-feels-a-lot-like-an-apple-ipad-ad/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, it’s a very different story in Samsung’s home turf of South Korea, where the company is openly copying the look and feel of Apple’s iPad commercials for their own Samsung Galaxy Tab. As shown in the embedded video below, “the ad depicts a father and daughter playing with a Galaxy Tab in a sequence of shots reminiscent of Apple’s own iPad ads.” MacRumors even posted a rough translation of the narration: “You try to have fun with me, you try to win against me, you ask me millions of questions, you sit on my lap, you want to stay beside me all the time, strangely, when I stay with you time passes very quickly. This is a precious time.” It’s not likely that Apple will be able to sic their legal team against this kind of thing, but it’s fairly shameless on Samsung’s part...</p><p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-GiojYnjgk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>comScore Data Shows Android, iOS Robbing RIM Market Share</h3><p>While Nokia’s Symbian OS is kicking ass and taking names worldwide (see above), the aging platform is sagging here in the U.S., and it’s not alone. <a href="http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/12/comScore_Reports_November_2011_U.S._Mobile_Subscriber_Market_Share" target="_blank">comScore has just released a Mobile Subscriber Market Share report for November</a> which clearly shows Google Android and Apple iOS chewing away at the market share formerly dominated by Research in Motion’s BlackBerry. RIM dipped from 7.1 percent to 6.5 percent between August and November, while Apple rose from 9.8 percent to 11.2 percent during the same period. Symbian dipped by a lesser amount (1.5 percent, down from 1.8 percent) and Microsoft is clearly failing to gain traction with Windows Phone after slipping half a percentage point from 5.7 percent to 5.2 percent. It’s a pretty rough market out there if you’re not producing Android or iOS devices, that’s for sure.</p><h3>Seas0nPass Goes Untethered Again for Second-Gen Apple TV</h3><p>Right on the heels of the iOS 5.0.1 untethered jailbreak earlier this week <a href="http://blog.firecore.com/6434" target="_blank">comes news from FireCore, LLC that the same exploit has been introduced to its Seas0nPass Mac and Windows software</a> for the second-generation Apple TV. Today’s update finally allows ATV owners to update to the latest 4.4.4 software (which is technically a variant of iOS 5.0.1) while remaining completely untethered -- no more need to run Seas0nPass at each power up. The update supports all of the aTV Flash plugins with the exception of Plex, but those developers are hard at work on an update which will hopefully arrive in the near future.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_2011_that%E2%80%99s_wrap_edition#commentsNews2011daily recapDropboxGoogle DocsInsyncMarket SharenokiaSamsungSeas0nPasssmartphonessymbianiPadiPhoneMacFri, 30 Dec 2011 23:24:47 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13017 at http://www.maclife.com10 Most Impactful Events in Tech in 2011http://www.maclife.com/article/features/10_most_impactful_events_tech_2011
<!--paging_filter--><p>Technology moves faster than poop through a goose: New products crop up quickly, while established brands and well-loved hardware can disappear just as fast. The same goes for those that make new technology possible, with new entrepreneurs bringing their wares to the fore, and legends leaving us years before their time. This past year proved no exception. With the new year creeping ever closer, we submit to you ten of our picks for the most important tech stories of the year. Designed by Apple users for Apple users, we're sure you'll find yourself nodding in agreement at more than a few of our choices.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/10_most_impactful_events_tech_2011#commentsNewsBlogs2011AmazonGoogleHPiCloudiPadiphoneKindle FireMotorolapatent warsSteve JobstechTouchpadWeb OSFeaturesGalleryThu, 29 Dec 2011 19:00:11 +0000Seamus Bellamy12989 at http://www.maclife.comReport: “Absolutely Different” Mac Product Line Could Launch By Year’s End?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_%E2%80%9Cabsolutely_different%E2%80%9D_mac_product_line_could_launch_year%E2%80%99s_end
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_macintosh_200px.jpg" alt="Apple Macintosh" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you like your Apple rumors vague and unsubstantiated, we’ve got a real doozy for you this fine Monday. A Japanese Mac-centric tech blog has suggested that as early as the end of this year, the Mac lineup may be quite different from what it is today, suggesting that they could even take another name entirely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/08/22/apple_may_introduce_a_radically_different_mac_product_family_by_years_end.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> on a “vague rumor” out of Apple’s Asian supply chain, with an anonymous source claiming Cupertino may soon introduce radically different Macs that could even be marketed “under a new brand or product name altogether.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/index.php?ID=13851" target="_blank">According to Macotakara.jp</a>, component suppliers are already gearing up to produce new Macs that are “absolutely different from current products,” which could be released as early as the end of 2011.<br /><br />The scant, anonymous rumor offers no further details, although it’s got us wondering if the website could be referring to the forthcoming Mac Pro redux, the lone holdout of the Mac lineup that hasn’t received an upgrade with Intel Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O. Recent rumors have suggested that Apple will finally discard the aging big-box casing on the Mac Pro, going with something more rack-mountable in an effort to push former Xserve customers toward OS X Lion Server.<br /><br />The rumor also seems to run counter to others suggesting the MacBook Pro line may get slimmed down and lose the optical drive similar to the MacBook Air. As AppleInsider notes, Macotakara.jp has a hit or miss track record with Apple rumors, although the site did accurately predict both the iPhone 5 delay to the fall as well as the iPad 2 introduction back in March.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/report_%E2%80%9Cabsolutely_different%E2%80%9D_mac_product_line_could_launch_year%E2%80%99s_end#commentsNews2011AsianchangesMac ProMacintoshmacotakaranew macsRumorssupply chainMacMon, 22 Aug 2011 13:12:47 +0000J.R. Bookwalter12124 at http://www.maclife.com“Changing Economic Conditions” May Impact Apple’s Q4 iPhone Ordershttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/%E2%80%9Cchanging_economic_conditions%E2%80%9D_may_impact_apple%E2%80%99s_q4_iphone_orders
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_assembly_200px.jpg" alt="Assembling iPhones" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It goes without saying that we live in challenging economic times, although you wouldn’t know it to look at companies like Apple Inc., who have been lifted ever higher with each passing financial report. A new report claims that smartphone makers have started cutting back on fourth quarter chipset orders over economic concerns -- and that includes the mighty Apple as well.<br /><a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110818PD221.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank"><br />DigiTimes is reporting</a> that “changing economic conditions” may be responsible for smartphone vendors scaling back on chipset orders for the fourth quarter of this year, with Taiwanese sources claiming that both HTC and Apple are being cautious going into the end of 2011 when compared to third quarter buys.<br /><br />“While most smartphone vendors are likely to reach their shipment targets for the third quarter, they have begun to reduce orders for parts and components for the fourth quarter in preparation for a possible impact from changing economic conditions,” DigiTimes sources reveal.<br /><br />For their part, Android and Windows Phone maker HTC raised their internal shipment target for this year to 70 million units in the first quarter after initially projecting 50 million units in late 2010. That number was recently revised backward to 50 to 60 million units, according to sources with knowledge of the company’s roadmap.<br /><br />“Sources in the supply chain of iPhone have revealed that Apple has also scaled down its orders for handset parts and components to be shipped at the end of third quarter,” DigiTimes concludes.<br /><br />While we all know that what goes up must eventually come back down, Apple would appear to be immune from that syndrome, at least for now. But maybe they know something we don’t in the months ahead? Only time will tell...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of 9to5Mac)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/%E2%80%9Cchanging_economic_conditions%E2%80%9D_may_impact_apple%E2%80%99s_q4_iphone_orders#commentsNews2011Apple Inc.economyfourth quarterhtcManufacturingordersshipmentsTaiwaniPhoneFri, 19 Aug 2011 12:19:21 +0000J.R. Bookwalter12101 at http://www.maclife.comApple Offers Mac OS X, Firmware Updates for New iMacs, MacBook Proshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_offers_mac_os_x_firmware_updates_new_imacs_macbook_pros
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/mac_os_x_10.6.7_for_new_imac_200px.jpg" alt="iMac software update" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Grab one of those fancy new iMacs this week? Or maybe one of the swanky new Thunderbolt-packing MacBook Pros? Thou shalt head to Software Update, my friends, where you will find some shiny new goodness that awaits thee.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macstories.net/news/apple-posts-10-6-7-update-for-new-imacs-efi-and-macbook-pro-updates/" target="_blank">MacStories.net is reporting</a> that Apple was busy overnight, pushing out software updates for the latest iMac and MacBook Pro models that come packing Intel Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt I/O ports. Read on to discover the tasty goodness that awaits you, or just cut to the chase and fire up Software Update now!<br /><br />First up is <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1383" target="_blank">Mac OS X 10.6.7 Update for iMac (early 2011) 1.0</a>, a 382.56MB update that offers some new iMac-specific updates, including issues with Back to My Mac, transferring files to certain SMB servers, Mac App Store bugs, FaceTime performance issues and graphics issues. More humorously, the update also promises to “improve Thunderbolt device support” -- ironic considering that no such devices have yet made it to market.<br /><br />There are a couple of firmware updates available as well -- the 6.1MB <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1380" target="_blank">iMac EFI Update 1.6</a> for the new 2011 iMac, and also the 3.06MB <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1381" target="_blank">MacBook Pro EFI Update 2.1</a>. Both appear to address some early Thunderbolt issues, while the MacBook Pro update also promises to “resolve an issue with Turbo Mode in Boot Camp.”<br /><br />Finally, the 2011 MacBook Pro is also being offered the <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1382" target="_blank">MacBook Pro Software Update 1.4</a>, which contains 132.69MB of chewy goodness devoted to graphics stability -- including “issues with external display support and 3D performance,” as well as more of that fine Thunderbolt device support.<br /><br />Now if we could just get our hands on some actual Thunderbolt peripherals to test all these updates out with…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_offers_mac_os_x_firmware_updates_new_imacs_macbook_pros#commentsNews2011Apple Inc.EFIFirmwareiMacMacBook ProsSoftware UpdatesthunderboltMacThu, 05 May 2011 13:30:04 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10873 at http://www.maclife.comiFixIt Sharpens Their Suction Cups, Guts a New 21.5-Inch iMachttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ifixit_sharpens_their_suction_cups_guts_new_215inch_imac
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ifixit_imac_2011_warranty_void_200px.jpg" alt="iFixIt iMac warranty void if removed" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />In case you didn’t hear, Apple released new iMacs on Tuesday, which can only mean one thing: iFixIt Teardown! Or as the company puts it, they sharpened their suction cups (two of them, in fact) and dove in.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-EMC-2428-Teardown/5485/1" target="_blank">iFixIt has posted the requisite teardown photos</a> from the latest 21.5-inch iMac that Apple released only yesterday. The new model, EMC 2428, scored a “very respectable” seven out of 10 on the company’s “Repairability Scale,” with the iMac getting cracked open (by way of two medium-sized suction cups) in the same manner as previous generations.<br /><br />According to the teardown, RAM replacement is easy for the casual user, with the hard drive and optical drive being “moderately difficult.” If you’re looking to replace the CPU or GPU, you’ll have to first remove the logic board, a tricky process intended only for “adventurous users” -- not to mention those willing to void their warranty with Apple. (That may or many not include the iFixIt team, as you can see from the image above.)</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/imac_teardown_suction_cups_620px.jpg" alt="iFixIt open iMac with suction cups" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Other highlights from the teardown include the discovery that the LED display is manufactured by LG, model number LM215WF3 -- the exact same display used in the previous generation iMac of the same size. The Thunderbolt port nearly matches the one found in the latest 15-inch MacBook Pro as well.<br /><br />If you’re aiming to buy with the optional SSD, you may be interested to learn that the unit appears to be installed under the optical drive -- the only space where the iFixIt team found something was clearly missing, although they note that the SSD option is only available on the 2.7GHz model.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/imac_teardown_open_620px.jpg" alt="iFixIt open iMac" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The remainder of the iFixIt teardown didn’t reveal anything too crazy or new, but you can get a glimpse of the gory details for yourself by <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-EMC-2428-Teardown/5485/1" target="_blank">heading over to their website</a>.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Images courtesy of iFixIt)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ifixit_sharpens_their_suction_cups_guts_new_215inch_imac#commentsNews201121.5-inchApple Inc.ifixitiMacLGSSDsuction cupsTeardownMacWed, 04 May 2011 15:25:32 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10859 at http://www.maclife.comVideo: New iMacs Can Handle Dual 30-Inch Displays, Our Hopes and Dreamshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_new_imacs_can_handle_dual_30inch_displays_our_hopes_and_dreams
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/endgadget_3_monitors_imac_200px.jpg" alt="Engadget iMac with three displays" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you think rocking a 27-inch iMac with a 30-inch monitor is cool -- and we did prior to Tuesday -- how about a pair of 30-inch displays? That’s exactly the kind of feats of strength the new iMac is capable of, thanks to dual Thunderbolt ports.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/apple-imac-hands-on-with-dual-30-inch-displays-video/" target="_blank">Engadget is reporting</a> that the new 27-inch iMac that Apple unveiled today is capable of driving not only its own display but also two external 30-inch displays as well. But be forewarned -- it may be too much screen for mere mortals to handle.<br /><br />Newly christened editor Tim Stevens decided to take the new 27-inch iMac for a crazy ride, jacking in a pair of 30-inch Dell displays (by way of dual-link DVI adaptors necessary to convert to Mini DisplayPort), creating a three-screen display packing an awesome 11,878,400 pixels. Before you decide this feat isn’t impressive enough for you, just remember this is an all-in-one Mac we’re talking about -- not a much more costly Mac Pro packing multiple graphics cards.<br /><br />“The iMac's 27-inch, 2,560 x 1,440, LED-backlit IPS panel is definitely a highlight, but flanked by another two monsters the combination is, honestly, a little overwhelming,” Stevens confesses. “We tried working this way but only made it about 30 minutes before retreating to smaller fields of view.”<br /><br />Those dual Thunderbolt ports aren’t the only impressive thing about the new 27-inch iMac -- you’ll also get your choice of either a Magic Trackpad or a Magic Mouse with your online order, and a 256GB SSD can also be yours for the extra cash (that option is also available with the 21.5-inch model).<br /><br />If you happen to have a couple of extra 30-inch displays handy or simply want to dream about having enough desk space to harness all that power, hit up the embedded video to see it in action.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image and video courtesy of Engadget)<br /><br /></em></p><p><object id="viddler" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="266"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/simple/3b76c0da/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="flashvars" value="fake=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="437" height="266" src="http://www.viddler.com/simple/3b76c0da/" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="fake=1" name="viddler"></embed></object></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_new_imacs_can_handle_dual_30inch_displays_our_hopes_and_dreams#commentsNews201127-inchaccessoriesApple Inc.displaysDualiMacMini DisplayPortthunderboltMacTue, 03 May 2011 18:15:44 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10847 at http://www.maclife.comEverything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Portal 2http://www.maclife.com/article/features/feature_portal_2_roundup
<!--paging_filter--><p>It's nice that you're back.<br /><br />Now it's time to destroy you.<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y-AeHxUbDn0?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y-AeHxUbDn0?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />In 2007, Valve turned the gaming world on its head through the release of a strange side project called "Portal", wherein a player took part in an experiment conducted by an insane computer named GlaDOS to see if they could escape from a series of increasingly intricate and dangerous mazes while armed only with a teleportation gun that activated both an entry and exit portal.<br /><br />Come April 18th, the nightmare continues, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/portal_2_release_date_announced_midspring_2011_new_trailer" target="_blank">Valve releasing Portal 2</a>, the most anticipated puzzle game of all time the game being <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/portal_2_now_available_preorder" target="_blank">simultaneously released on the Mac OS X, Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms</a> via Valve's Steam digital storefront and conventional retailers. <br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovvbUmkxEOI?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovvbUmkxEOI?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />In Portal 2, you'll return as Chell, the protagonist from the original title, only to find yourself trapped in the ruins of the Aperture Science testing facility after having inadvertently reawakened the GlaDOS supercomputer, which begins running you through additional test rooms while reassembling itself. <br /><br />With every sequel, there's the question as to what's new and what's different. First, and probably the most apparent, is a combination of game environments. Where the first Portal placed you in the midst of a series of high-tech laboratory environments, Portal 2 takes place centuries after the original, title, the once-familiar laboratory environments now partially overrun with wild jungle growth and the testing rooms themselves regenerating after the explosions at the end of the first Portal. <br /><br />The first Portal made you rethink the possibilities of movement. Portal 2 looks to continue this with the addition of the following devices: <br /><br />- <strong>Repulsion Gel</strong>, which can be redirected to cover a surface like a paint, then dramatically boost your speed as you jump and bounce off a suffice.&nbsp; <br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovvbUmkxEOI?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovvbUmkxEOI?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />- <strong>Pneumatic Diversity Vents</strong>, which create a vacuum force to suck in otherwise-inaccessible objects through the portals you create.<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ge4h9mSPC1I?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ge4h9mSPC1I?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />- <strong>Redirection Cubes</strong>, which act as mirrored surfaces that help deflect oncoming laser beams.<br /><br />- <strong>Hard Light Bridges</strong>, which function as tunnels that can be sent through portals and help you and other objects reach a destination.<br /><br />- <strong>Aerial Faith Plates</strong>, which help fling your character or objects you may be carrying across the room.<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZPlNbX4XKiw?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZPlNbX4XKiw?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />If players remember one specific thing that made the original Portal great, it was the narrative elements, the voice of GlaDOS (performed by soprano and voice actress Ellen McLain) constantly taunting you, offering pseudo-encouragement and the promise of delicious cake amidst helpful tips as it tried to kill you. Portal 2 looks to up this, your character being assisted by a spherical floating robot named Wheatley (voiced by Stephen Merchant, the UK actor/director/writer of "The Office" fame), who'll happily blather tips, his opinions regarding Aperture Science and anything that may happen to be on its mind throughout the game. This contrasts with the voice of GlaDOS, the title's antagonistic artificial intelligence, whose dialogue in current trailers seems to consist of seething bitterness and a desire for vengeance after being seemingly destroyed at your hands at the end of the first Portal.<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b3lEDKRXkAY?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b3lEDKRXkAY?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />After the release of the first Portal, players hankered for a multiplayer mode of any sort, Valve responding to this with a full co-operative campaign mode in addition to the single player mode, company representatives having claimed that both modes will offer about six hours of gameplay. The mode, which has the players take the role of two robots (P-Body and Atlas), generally features much more difficult puzzle rooms than the single player campaign and requires that players work together. Communication with the other player is possible via in-game voice chat and emotions that can be signaled to each other (such as a wave, etc.) while icons can be placed within puzzle rooms to indicate what your partner needs to do to help finish the level. For moments where players are truly stuck on an advanced puzzle, Portal 2 will allow you to activate a split-screen view to help coordinate actions and see where your partner might be and what they might be doing at any time. <br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/imeRaL5bVTI?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/imeRaL5bVTI?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Although there will be some familiar elements built into Portal 2, Valve has come forward to state that it won't retread old ground, the "cake is a lie" jokes having been done to death since 2007 and the company having moved on. While it's unsure as to whether the promise of cake won't be in Portal 2 at all and the Jonathan Coulton song "Still Alive" proved to be a breakout hit, representatives have stated that they'll be including geektastic new Coulton music, new jokes and new material into the sequel as opposed to rehashing old memes.<br /><br />If you bought it for your PS3, you're getting a free copy for your Mac or Windows PC via Steam. Representatives have stated that as part of the PlayStation 3 release, players will be able top unlock the game via the Steam digital storefront, their game progress being saved by linking their PlayStation Network and Steam accounts. Beyond this, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/valve_announces_crossplatform_game_play_portal_2" target="_blank">the game will support cross-platform gameplay</a> and progress will be saved to the Steam network allowing you to pick up where you left off.<br /><br />If there's a rule of software, it's this: there will always be patches and updates to come. This has proven apparent as Valve has confirmed that Portal 2 will not support the PlayStation Move controller or 3D television upon release. While this doesn't immediately affect the Mac OS X version of the title, there may be work that needs to be done, especially for upcoming technologies and it never hurts to let the games in your Steam library update upon launch…<br /><br />Portal 2 is currently available for pre-order at a $44.99 price tag (down from $49.99) and will require an Intel-based Mac running a 2.0 GHz Core Duo or faster processor, Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later, 2 GB of RAM, 7.6 gigabytes of hard disk space and a GeForce 8600M or ATI Radeon HD 2400 or higher graphics card to install and run. <br /><br />Come April 18th, there will be cake.<br /><br />And love.<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 620px;" width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0irPmjLALT0?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0irPmjLALT0?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/features/feature_portal_2_roundup#comments18th22011AprilChellco-opEllen McLainegameplayGlaDOSPortalrepulsion gelStephen MerchantValveWheatlyFeaturesGamesTue, 22 Feb 2011 22:40:43 +0000Chris Barylick10010 at http://www.maclife.comiPhone and iPad Tips of the Week - Meet Your Health and Fitness Goals for 2011http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/iphone_and_ipad_tips_week_meet_your_health_and_fitness_goals_2011
<!--paging_filter--><p>This week's tips will show you how to take control of wirelessly updating your apps, and we'll offer up some tips on using your iOS device to help you meet your health and fitness goals in 2011. We'll also take a look how you can manipulate the search results you see when using Spotlight search on iOS devices. By the end of this column, you'll definitely have some more useful tips to use and show off to your friends.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Control Wireless App Upgrade Downloads</h3><p>We generally update our iOS apps on a regular basis via iTunes or wirelessly over the air. But, one problem with the latter method is that apps over 20 MB will only download over-the-air when you have a Wi-Fi connection. Usually, when we start these downloads, there's the inevitability we'll leave the Wi-Fi coverage area and will need to stop the app download temporarily. Here's how: locate the app that is currently downloading&nbsp; and you'll see a progress bar on the icon. Simply tap the icon before the download is completed and the icon will display the word "paused. " It will not start again until you tap it.</p><p><img src="/files/u62/apploading.png" alt="app load" title="app load" width="444" height="129" /></p><p><br />This is particularly handy for those times when you're bombarded with pop-ups reminding you that an app is over 20 MB. Locate that app and pause it. You should stop seeing the nagging reminder about needing a Wi-Fi connection.</p><p><img src="/files/u62/apppaused.png" alt="app paused" title="app paused" width="441" height="122" /></p><p><strong>Compatibility:</strong> iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>RunKeeper Pro</h3><p>We've mentioned a few apps that get things done. Well, here's an app that will help you get a "running" start on your health and fitness goals for 2011.</p><p><img src="/files/u62/runkeeper.jpg" alt="RunKeeper Pro" title="RunKeeper Pro" width="320" height="480" /><br /><br />RunKeeper Pro [<a href=" http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runkeeper-pro/id300235330?mt=8">iTunes link</a>] is an application that is popular with runners and other fitness minded people. It's free until the end of January, though it normally sells in the iTunes App Store for $9.99.<br /><br /><strong>Compatibility:</strong> iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Nike + iPod</h3><p>Nike + iPod is available for iPhone 3G and later users, as well as iPod touch 2nd generation or later users. But, you won't be able to see the app until you activate it in the Settings app. And before you do so, make sure to purchase the <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA368LL/E?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY">sensor</a> or <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-218268/pgid-218268">remote</a> so that you'll be able to use the App.</p><p>To turn on the Nike + iPod app, launch Settings, then select Nike + iPod and toggle the switch next to it to the ON position. You will now find the app icon available on the Home screen.</p><p><img src="/files/u62/nikesettings.png" alt="nike settings" title="nike settings" width="310" height="465" /><img src="/files/u62/nikeipod.png" alt="nike + ipod" title="nike + ipod" width="310" height="353" /></p><p><br /><strong>Compatibility:</strong> iPhone 3GS/4 and iPod touch (2nd generation or later).<br /><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><h3>Manipulate Your Spotlight Search Results</h3><p>Spotlight is a great search tool that ships as a part of iOS, but the results it puts forth aren't necessarily what you'd expect, so here are some tips on getting what you need out of Spotlight.</p><p>Launch the Settings app, tap General &gt; Spotlight Search. You'll be presented with a list of items that Spotlight searches for: Applications, Contacts, Music, Podcasts, Videos, Audiobooks, Notes, Mail, and Events.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u62/search.png" alt="Spotlight " title="Spotlight " width="320" height="480" /><br /><br />By default, each of these items has a check mark placed next to it. If it is checked, then items of that type matching your search criteria appear in the results. Tap the items individually to toggle the check mark on and off; those that are marked off those will not appear in the search results.<br /><br />Finally, you can change the order in which these items appear in the results. Tap and drag them up and down in the list to change their order by grabbing the icon that looks like three horizontal gray lines on the right hand side of the screen. Once you have the item moved to where you want, let it go.<br /><br /><strong>Compatibility:</strong> iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.</p><p><br /><em><br />Follow this articles author, <a href="http://twitter.com/david_w_martin">David W. Martin on Twitter.</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/iphone_and_ipad_tips_week_meet_your_health_and_fitness_goals_2011#comments2011AppControldownloadsfitnessgoalsHealthiPhone and iPad Tips of the WeeksearchesspotlightupgradesHow-TosWed, 12 Jan 2011 22:00:43 +0000David W. Martin9553 at http://www.maclife.comIntel Officially Announces New Sandy Bridge Core Processorshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/intel_officially_announces_new_sandy_bridge_core_processors
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/intel_sandy_bridge_200px.jpg" alt="Intel Sandy Bridge processor" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Chipmaker Intel has given the world a first glimpse of what technology might drive Macs in 2011 as the company officially unveiled their next generation processor architecture known as “Sandy Bridge.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/01/03/intel-announces-sandy-bridge-core-processors/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> on Intel’s official announcement Monday of the “Sandy Bridge” core processors (also known as 2nd Generation Core processor). “The new processors are built on the 32nm process and integrate the processor, memory controller and graphics on the same die,” MacRumors notes. “In particular, the new integrated graphics performance is significantly improved over Intel’s previous chips.”<br /><br />“Sandy Bridge is, essentially, a next-generation replacement for Intel's primary CPUs for desktops and laptops,” <a href="http://techreport.com/articles.x/20188" target="_blank">The TechReport explains</a>. “At the heart of Sandy Bridge is an essentially new processor microarchitecture, the most sweeping architectural transition from Intel since the introduction of the star-crossed Pentium 4. Nearly everything has changed, from the branch predictors through the out-of-order execution engine and into the memory subsystem. The goal: to achieve higher performance and power efficiency, even on single-threaded tasks, where the integration of multiple CPU cores hasn't been much help.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape" target="_blank">According to AnandTech</a>, the new processor architecture “is a major step forward for laptops, significantly closing the price/performance gap between desktops and laptops.”<br /><br />Of course, that bodes particularly well for Apple, whose powerful MacBook laptops are often favored over the company’s desktop computers. AnandTech found that the graphics performance of Sandy Bridge “generally exceeded that found in the NVIDIA 320M that is presently used in the MacBook and MacBook Airs,” according to MacRumors.<br /><br />“Again, Sandy Bridge delivers playable performance in every single title at 768p and ‘Low’ detail settings,” Anandtech reveals. “What’s more, it actually surpasses the GeForce 320M in Apple's MacBook Pro 13 in five out of six games (the exception being STALKER).” One area where the performance lagged was in the Medium detail settings, where Apple pairing Intel processors with NVIDIA graphics outperformed Intel’s integrated graphics.<br /><br />Despite this, <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape" target="_blank">AnandTech is overall impressed</a> with the battery life and performance of Intel’s latest Sandy Bridge offering, which is expected to debut next month in dual core and low-power versions. How soon Apple might implement the new technology -- assuming they do -- is anyone’s guess.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of MacRumors)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/intel_officially_announces_new_sandy_bridge_core_processors#commentsNews2011CESces2011Core ProcessorsIntellaptopsMacMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:28:39 +0000J.R. Bookwalter9387 at http://www.maclife.comMac|Life Editors' 2010 Pickshttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/maclife_editors_2010_picks
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u32/2010/12/1231_2010_200.jpg" width="200" height="148" class="graphic-right" />We thought about throwing a bunch of hardware on the floor and letting our pets pick the winner. Sure that sounds awesome in theory, but the bosses said we were being lazy, that we needed to put our animals away and get back to work. <br /><br />By the way, they picked the MacBook Air. Pets love the Macbook Air. A piece of paper that fell into the pile came in a close second. <br /><br />So here is the top wares for 2010 as picked by the Mac|Life editors. <br /><br /></p><h2>Hardware:</h2><p><strong><br />Editor in Chief Paul:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/" target="_blank">13-Inch MacBook Air</a><br /><a href="http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d7000/index.htm" target="_blank">Nikon D7000 DSLR</a><br /><a href="http://www.shure.com/americas/products/earphones-headphones/headphones/srh440-professional-studio-headphones" target="_blank">Shure SRH440 Headphones</a><br /><br /><strong>Senior Editor Susie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/" target="_blank">11-inch MacBook Air</a><br /><a href="http://www.onlive.com/game-system" target="_blank">OnLive Game System</a><br /><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=016" target="_blank">Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile 6000 keyboard</a><br /><strong><br />Online Editor Robbie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wacom.com/intuos/" target="_blank">Wacom Intuos4 Wireless</a><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_blank">iPad</a><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/displays/" target="_blank">Apple 27-Inch Cinema Display</a><br /><br /><strong>Reviews Editor Ray:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/" target="_blank">11-Inch MacBook Air</a><br /><a href="http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/MM-1" target="_blank">Bowers &amp; Wilkins MM-1 Desktop Speakers</a> <br /><a href="http://www.livescribe.com" target="_blank">LiveScribe Echo Smart Pen</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Online Editor Flo:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/349/6135" target="_blank">Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX </a><br /><a href="http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&amp;landing=printer&amp;category=Yes&amp;lanAttr=HP+ePrint&amp;product_code=CN517A%23B1H&amp;catLevel=2" target="_blank">HP Envy 100 e-All-in-One</a><br /><a href="http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/desktop-hard-drive/" target="_blank">Seagate GoFlex Desk External Drive</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Associate Editor Nic:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/382087-382087-64283-72270-3884471-4101127.html" target="_blank">HP ZR22W</a><br /><a href="http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Headphones" target="_blank">B&amp;W P5 Headphones</a> <br /><a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC380LL/A" target="_blank">Apple Magic Trackpad</a><br /><br /></p><h2>Mac Software:</h2><p><br /><strong>Editor in Chief Paul:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://store.steampowered.com/" target="_blank">Steam</a><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/aperture/" target="_blank">Aperture 3</a><br /><a href="http://www.irradiatedsoftware.com" target="_blank">Cinch</a><br /><br /><strong>Senior Editor Susie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.onlive.com/#1" target="_blank">OnLive</a><br /><a href="http://store.steampowered.com/" target="_blank">Steam</a><br /><a href="http://culturedcode.com/things/" target="_blank">Things</a><br /><br /><strong>Online Editor Robbie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/whatisillustrator/" target="_blank">Illustrator CS5</a><br /><a href="http://www.sofortbildapp.com/" target="_blank">Sofortbild</a><br /><a href="http://www.boinx.com/istopmotion/overview/">iStopMotion 2</a><br /><strong><br />Reviews Editor Ray:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.irradiatedsoftware.com" target="_blank">Cinch</a><br /><a href="http://www.obdev.at" target="_blank">LaunchBar 5</a><br /><a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/" target="_blank">Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Online Editor Flo:</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/" target="_blank">TweetDeck</a><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products" target="_blank"><br />Google Chrome<br />Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Editor Nic:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html" target="_blank">LaunchBar 5</a><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/" target="_blank">Garageband '11</a><br /><a href="http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/buynow?ref=/sc2/" target="_blank">Starcraft II</a><br /><br /><br /></p><h2>iOS Hardware:</h2><p><br /><strong>Editor in Chief Paul:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_blank">iPad</a><br /><a href="http://twelvesouth.com/products/bookarc_ipad/" target="_blank">BookArc for iPad</a><br /><a href="http://twelvesouth.com/products/bookbook_ipad/" target="_blank">BookBook for iPad</a><br /><br /><strong>Senior Editor Susie:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.scosche.com" target="_blank"><br />Scosche IDR-655m</a><br /><a href="http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/a-frame" target="_blank">Griffin A-Frame</a><br /><a href="http://www.xtand.net/alupen.html" target="_blank">Just Mobile AluPen</a><br /><br /><strong>Online Editor Robbie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.otterbox.com/iPhone-4-Defender-Series-Case/APL2-I4XXX,default,pd.html" target="_blank">OtterBox Defender</a><br /><a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC361ZM/B?fnode=MTc0MjU2Mjc&amp;mco=MTcyMTgxNTk" target="_blank">Apple iPad Case</a><br /><a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A?fnode=MTc0MjU4NjE&amp;mco=MTcyMTgxODY" target="_blank">Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Reviews Editor Ray:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_blank">iPad</a><br /><a href="http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/hf3.html" target="_blank">Etymotic hf3 headset</a><br /><a href="https://squareup.com/" target="_blank">Square</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Associate Online Editor Flo:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://toddygear.com/shop.asp" target="_blank">Toddy Smart Cloth</a><br /><a href=" http://us.kensington.com/html/17771.html" target="_blank">Kensington PowerBolt Duo Car Charger</a><br /><a href="http://www.myincipio.com/iPhone-4-Cases-Accessories/Incipio-iPhone-4-dotties-Silicone-Case.asp" target="_blank">iPhone 4/iPod touch 4G Dotties from Incipio</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Editor Nic:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.booqbags.com/All-Products/iPad-sleeves/boa-skin-xs-black-iPad-sleeve" target="_blank">Booq boa skin sleeve for iPad</a><br /><a href="http://tenonedesign.com/sketch.php" target="_blank">Pogo Sketch Stylus </a><br /><a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC533LL/B" target="_blank">Apple iPad Keyboard Dock </a><br /><br /><br /></p><h2>iPhone Apps:</h2><p><strong><br />Editor in Chief Paul:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/square/id335393788?mt=8" target="_blank">Square</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/words-with-friends/id322852954?mt=8" target="_blank">Words With Friends</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/things/id284971781?mt=8" target="_blank">Things</a><br /><br /><strong>Senior Editor Susie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simplenote/id289429962?mt=8" target="_blank">Simplenote</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zumocast-stream-videos-music/id386461020?mt=8" target="_blank">ZumoCast</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qrank-your-social-trivia-addiction/id359767161?mt=8" target="_blank">QRANK</a><br /><br /><strong>Online Editor Robbie:</strong></p><p><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/catan/id335029050?mt=8" target="_blank">Catan</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-snow-report/id297613771?mt=8" target="_blank">North Face The Snow Report</a><br /><br /><strong>Reviews Editor Ray:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boxcar/id321493542?mt=8">Boxcar</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simplenote/id289429962?mt=8" target="_blank">SimpleNote</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instapaper/id288545208?mt=8" target="_blank">InstaPaper</a><br /><strong><br />Associate Online Editor Flo:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/appshopper/id387037496?mt=8" target="_blank">AppShopper</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hipstamatic/id342115564?mt=8" target="_blank">Hipstamatic</a><br />Grooveshark - No longer available<br /><br /><strong>Associate Editor Nic:</strong><br /><br />Cydia - For Jailbroken iPhones<br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/super-quickhook/id375941471?mt=8" target="_blank">Super Quick Hook</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/infinity-blade/id387428400?mt=8" target="_blank">Infinity Blade</a><br /><br /><br /></p><h2>iPad Apps:</h2><p><br /><strong>Editor in Chief Paul:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8" target="_blank">Flipboard</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-of-goo/id401301276?mt=8" target="_blank">World of Goo</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-early-edition/id363496943?mt=8">Early Edition</a><br /><br /><strong>Senior Editor Susie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs-zombies-hd/id363282253?mt=8" target="_blank">Plants vs. Zombies</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-video-watch-your-videos/id306550020?mt=8" target="_blank">Air Video</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8" target="_blank">Netflix</a><br /><br /><strong>Online Editor Robbie:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8" target="_blank">Netflix</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/strategery/id298908505?mt=8" target="_blank">Strategery</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rebirth-for-ipad/id401704148?mt=8" target="_blank">ReBirth</a><br /><br /><strong>Reviews Editor Ray:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8" target="_blank">Flipboard</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/omnifocus-for-ipad/id383804552?mt=8" target="_blank">OmniFocus</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs-zombies-hd/id363282253?mt=8" target="_blank">Plants vs Zombies HD</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Online Editor Flo:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/epicurious-recipes-shopping/id312101965?mt=8" target="_blank">Epicurious</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8" target="_blank">Netflix </a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/comics/id303491945?mt=8" target="_blank">Comixology</a><br /><br /><strong>Associate Editor Nic:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tilt-to-live-hd/id391837930?mt=8" target="_blank">Tilt to Live HD</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/streamtome/id325327899?mt=8" target="_blank">StreamToMe</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8" target="_blank">Flipboard</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/maclife_editors_2010_picks#commentsReviews20102011Picksyear endiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 31 Dec 2010 21:47:21 +0000Roberto Baldwin9295 at http://www.maclife.comMaxim Rings in the New Year with Free Champagne Popper Apphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/maxim_rings_new_year_free_champagne_popper_app
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/maxim_champagne_popper_200px.jpg" alt="Maxim Champagne Popper" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />2011 is right around the corner, and with it has come a series of New Year-themed apps, including one from popular men’s magazine <em>Maxim</em>, who have teamed up with developer Elite Gudz to create the free Champagne Popper app.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/elite-gudz/id372003398" target="_blank">Elite Gudz</a> has announced the availability of their free <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/champagne-popper/id404574041?mt=8" target="_blank"><em>Maxim</em> Champagne Popper</a>, an interactive countdown and socially connected application for the iPhone. Usher in the New Year with style, and find some virtual gifts to send to your friends at the stroke of midnight -- the app even takes care of the heavy lifting, just in case you’re not sober enough to do it yourself when the big moment arrives.<br /><br />“<em>Maxim</em> Champagne Popper is a free app that lets users celebrate New Years with a customized countdown on their mobile device,” the press release reads. “Choose from a variety of elegant bottles to shake, pop open and and share. The app can also send out a personalized message and champagne bottle gift to your friends. Select your gift, chose your contacts, write your message, and the app will send it through email at midnight on New Years.”<br /><br />Among the features of the free iOS app are a “Digital Concierge” that sends your messages exactly at midnight, a countdown clock automatically set to your existing time zone, realistic shake, bubble and spray animations, festive music and sound effects and a variety of bottle and labels to choose from (available as 99-cent in-app purchases). Last but not least, you can connect with friends on Twitter and Facebook to share your New Year greetings.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/champagne-popper/id404574041?mt=8" target="_blank"><em>Maxim</em> Champagne Popper</a> is a free 74.5MB download, compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (the app is not universal, however), and requires iOS 3.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/maxim_rings_new_year_free_champagne_popper_app#commentsNews2011App StoreNew Year's Evenew yearsiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 30 Dec 2010 14:02:01 +0000J.R. Bookwalter9375 at http://www.maclife.comRumor: iMac and MacBook Pro Upgrades in First Half of 2011?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_imac_and_macbook_pro_upgrades_first_half_2011
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/imac_2009_200px.png" alt="iMac 2009" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />As 2010 winds to a close, speculation has already turned to what new hardware Apple might bless us with in 2011. As it turns out, there’s a decent chance we’ll see upgrades to the iMac as well as the MacBook Pro in the first half of next year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2010/12/15/imac-and-macbook-pro-upgrades-in-first-half-of-2011/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> that the iPad won’t be the only thing on Apple’s mind in early 2011, with upgrades to both the iMac and the MacBook Pro likely appearing in the first half of the new year. <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20101215PD223.html" target="_blank">According to DigiTimes</a>, the upgrades could be fairly substantial.<br /><br />“The sources noted that Apple plans to launch at least four upgraded MacBook Pros as well as an iMac that features a new panel size and a price point for the mainstream market,” DigiTimes noted in its brief news item.<br /><br />DigiTimes’ “sources” appear to be “upstream component makers,” who also claim that Apple should have “no trouble” shipping 10 million notebooks this year, with the forthcoming upgrades -- including “a slight change in chassis design and an upgrade to the new Lion operating system” -- helping Cupertino to grow their laptop shipments next year by 30 to 40 percent.<br /><br />Finally, the report claims that “Taiwan-based Quanta Computer and Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) are expected to share orders for the new devices,” which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to most anyone familiar with the company’s manufacturing plans.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_imac_and_macbook_pro_upgrades_first_half_2011#commentsNews2011iMacmacbook proRumorsupgradesMacThu, 16 Dec 2010 14:15:47 +0000J.R. Bookwalter9246 at http://www.maclife.comMadden NFL 11 for iPad Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/madden_nfl_11_ipad_review
<!--paging_filter--><h3>Grab the gridiron!</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It doesn’t take long to see why Madden 2011 is a truly exceptional iPad game. The first time you exploit an offensive weakness by quickly drawing a blitz before the snap and then crushing the quarterback, you’ll get it. So many of the controls and features are perfectly suited for the iPad--whether it’s tilting your device from side to side to check your receivers on the line of scrimmage or drawing new routes for all of them at once via the wonders of multi-touch.</p><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u129772/2010/10/madden_full.jpg"><img src="/files/u129772/2010/10/madden_380.jpg" width="380" height="285" /></a><br /><strong>You'll have to get used to a lot of buttons to excel on the field.</strong><br /><br />Passing also just works, and Madden offers two options for controlling it. You can tap on an intended receiver as they sprint down the field, and if they’re heavily defended, they’re marked off with a red square. When they’re in medium coverage, it’s yellow, and a green one means go. You can also pass by tapping a static button with the player’s jersey number at the bottom of the screen. While that isn’t the most dynamic option, we found it several times easier than the more realistic tap-the-receiver technique. Better yet, the character models look great from behind, where you spend most of your time controlling them. However, during touchdown celebrations, it quickly becomes apparent that your halfback basically has no face and suffers from some awfully janky joints. Tackles usually lead to limbs flying through torsos, like in an ancient videogame version of Madden, but still, this game’s mighty impressive on the iPad.<br /><br />At press time, Madden supplied three modes of play--Exhibition, Season, and Playoffs--and EA’s promised that Multiplayer and Vintage Voltage are coming soon. Though Season and especially Playoffs are a ton of fun, we’re definitely jonesin’ to cream our friends in Multiplayer.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/madden_nfl_11_ipad_review#commentsReviews2011Appapp store reviewsGamesiPadipad app reviewsiPad AppsiPhone appsiPod and iPhoneiPod AppsMaddenNFLSoftwareiPadGamesWed, 13 Oct 2010 21:37:09 +0000Nic Vargus8566 at http://www.maclife.com